§ 41. Mr. Liddallasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the considered opinion of the Hotels and Restaurants Association (Incorporated) of Great Britain in regard to bottle parties, as evidenced by the communication he has received from the hon. Member for Lincoln; and, in view of the national importance of properly conducted hotels 826 and restaurants, whether he will take the necessary steps to safeguard them from this form of unfair competition by introducing without delay legislation to prohibit bottle parties?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)The objection of the hotels and restaurants to this form of competition is one amongst a number of considerations which have to be taken into account; and in deciding whether any action ought to be taken in present circumstances, the primary consideration ought, my right hon. Friend thinks, to be whether the war situation has produced special conditions calling for special war-time measures. This is an aspect of the matter to which my right hon. Friend is at the present time giving special attention.
§ Mr. LiddallDoes not my hon. Friend think it grossly unfair that hotels and restaurants, having such high rents, rates, and licence charges, should be faced with this competition?
§ Mr. ThorneMay I ask the Under-Secretary of State what is the definition of a bottle party, because I have no knowledge of what it is?